Detection of carbendazim by utilizing multi-shaped Ag NPs decorated ZnO NRs on patterned stretchable substrate through surface-enhanced Raman scattering effect

Although the carbendazim (CBZ) residue is one of the most commonly active ingredients used in the world for fungicidal application on fruit trees, it has serious effects on human health. There have been many studies on the detection of carbendazim in solution or on rigid substrates by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect. Nevertheless, the analyzing process have some limitations. In particular, the rigid substrates are not tightly placed on uneven surfaces and the solution must be treated before analyzing. Therefore, in this report, CBZ was detected via a 3D SERS substrate in which ZnO nanorods (ZnO NRs) decorating with multi-shaped silver nanoparticles (MAg NPs) are developed on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The SERS substrate possessing highly rough nanostructures can increase the scattering of laser and absorption of substances detected on PDMS film. Besides, a CBZ detection limit is calculated with the value of 10−3 ppm based on Raman spectroscopy. The 3D SERS substrate enables a new researching field of detecting organic residues in agricultural products.